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  1. Ghyll Scrambling with Path to Adventure
    Ideas & Inspiration
  2. Carlisle Cathedral
    Ideas & Inspiration
  3. Open water swimming, Derwentwater
    Ideas & Inspiration
  4. Ideas & Inspiration

You are here: Home > Ideas and Inspiration

Ideas and Inspiration

You probably have a good idea of the things you’d like to do and see in the Lake District, Cumbria. A cruise across one of the lakes, a walk in the fells – whether a soft stroll, marking off Wainwrights from a list, or a fully equipped 'rocks and ropes' climb.

Maybe you’re keen on exploring the county’s rich arts and culture scene and literary heritage, whether it’s walking in Wordsworth’s footsteps or visiting the house that Beatrix Potter lived in.

Those seeking adventure in the Lake District come with their own thrill checklist – perhaps soaring across the treetops on a zipwire, mountain biking their way through the countryside, sailing on the lake or testing their skills on a Grade 5 rock climb.

We’re more than happy to guide you toward the things you know you want to do, but what about those experiences you didn’t know you wanted to try? The Lake District, Cumbria has a seemingly endless menu of attractions and activities, so why don’t you let us give you a few ideas to mull over?

Let us help you

  1. Family holidays
    The Lake District, Cumbria is the adventure capital for family holidays, it's an adventure playground: whether exploring forests, rowing across a lake like a Viking or building sandcastles, fun is never far away, with an almost unparalleled choice of activities for the whole family.
  2. Make your own Gin experience at Shed 1 Distillery
    Rainy Day Ideas
    It rains from time to time in the Lake District, but how else did you think we got our fabulous landscapes and those lakes? Still, there’s plenty to do while taking shelter.
  3. Whinlatter Forest
    Great Days Out - Whinlatter Forest
    Forestry England’s Whinlatter Forest is a special place, one that inspires, exhilarates, and rejuvenates those who visit.
    8 Sep 2020
  4. Things to do - Lakeland Motor Museum
    Hints and tips
    Lots of great inspiration hints and tips to help you get the most out of your visit to the Lake District, Cumbria.
  5. Spa breaks
    Spa breaks
    Treat your loved one to a luxury break in the Lake District, Cumbria. Let the experts in our choice of fabulous Lake District retreats work their magic on you.
  6. Romantic Breaks
    Luxury Romantic Breaks
    Take your loved one for a luxury romantic break in the Lake District, Cumbria - one of the UK's most romantic settings.

You may leave the Lake District, but once you've been,
it'll never leave you...

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Highlights

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery by D&H Photographers
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses…

The Heaton Cooper Studio
The Heaton Cooper Studio

Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints…

Muncaster Castle Conferences
Muncaster Castle

Historic haunted Castle home to the Pennington family for 800 years. A 70-acre garden famous for…

Lakeland Motor Museum
Lakeland Motor Museum

A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience. Over 100 years…

Lowther Castle & Gardens
Lowther Castle & Gardens

A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award winning Lowther…

Townend
Townend

A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…

Brougham Hall
Brougham Hall

A 14thC fortified home in course of reconstruction to provide craft centre.

The Dock Museum
The Dock Museum

Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the…

Walby Farm Park
Walby Farm Park

Cumbria's multi-award winning all-weather attraction on our family farm, meet our friendly animals,…

Windermere Lake Cruises, Bowness
Windermere Lake Cruises, Bowness

Windermere Lake Cruises offer more than a ferry service. We hold private charters, lunch cruises,…

Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam & Stories
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam & Stories

Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…

© National Trust Images
Sizergh Castle - National Trust

This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden…

The Pencil Museum
The Pencil Museum

Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…

wild cat island
Joint Adventures - Wild Cat Island Swallows and Amazons

Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …

'The Lost Castle' Adventure Playground - Lowther Castle
The Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle

Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling…

Wordsworth House and Garden
Wordsworth House and Garden

Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home.…

Arts Room © National Trust Images, Jill Jennings
Allan Bank

Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…

The Rheged Centre
The Rheged Centre

There’s nowhere quite like Rheged, where the arts meet good food, family and fun under a green…

The Lake District Wildlife Park
The Lake District Wildlife Park

Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…

Levens Hall & Gardens
Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen

A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …

Eskdale Mill
Eskdale Mill

Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…

© National Trust
Acorn Bank

A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…

Carlisle Castle Exhibition
Carlisle Castle Exhibition

Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its…

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway! La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian…

PrevPrev
  • 1Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
  • 2The Heaton Cooper Studio
  • 3Muncaster Castle
  • 4Lakeland Motor Museum
  • 5Lowther Castle & Gardens
  • 6Townend
  • 7Brougham Hall
  • 8The Dock Museum
  • 9Walby Farm Park
  • 10Windermere Lake Cruises, Bowness
  • 11Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam & Stories
  • 12Sizergh Castle - National Trust
  • 13The Pencil Museum
  • 14Joint Adventures - Wild Cat Island Swallows and Amazons
  • 15The Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle
  • 16Wordsworth House and Garden
  • 17Allan Bank
  • 18The Rheged Centre
  • 19The Lake District Wildlife Park
  • 20Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen
  • 21Eskdale Mill
  • 22Acorn Bank
  • 23Carlisle Castle Exhibition
  • 24Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
NextNext

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